The Elements of a Beautiful Minnesota Sunset

Posted on by

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky”. –  Rabindranath Tagore

Those who have followed my blog or my Instagram account for a while, know by now that I am in love with sunsets. I have been called the “sunset queen”  or “sunset chaser” by many friends and followers and have been known to jump on my bicycle and ride down the hill at breakneck speed to reach our lovely urban lake if the clouds and the light are right.

What I love so much about sunsets is that every single one is unique and there is always an element of surprise. The unfolding of a sunset can change into a vast array of different colors all within a matter of minutes or can just remain relatively the same. Clouds often add an extra element of delight to a sunset. I often find the best sunsets of all after a storm. Once the storm has passed, the thick water-laden clouds burst with beautiful hues of color and rays of light.

I’m fortunate to live in a state that has well over 10,000 different lakes to choose from to watch the sunset. Obviously I stick to just a few. However you can never be too far away from the perfect body of water to watch the sky dance. For me, each sunset brings its own element of surprise, awe, joy and wonder. Mother nature at her finest hour reminding us that beauty exists within the world every single day. Here are a few of my favorites from the land of 10,000+ lakes.

The fisherman

The clouds  

The Burst of Brilliance

The Impressionist Clouds

Rays of Light

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Elemental. 

SaveSave

45 thoughts on “The Elements of a Beautiful Minnesota Sunset”

  1. Robert Matthew Goldstein – San Francisco, California – I'm a writer, photographer and mental health advocate from San Francisco. I enjoy good conversation, history, technology and learning new skills. I have strong political views, a lifelong interest in literature, poetry, and social justice.
    Robert Matthew Goldstein on said:

    Your photography is splendid!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! Appreciate your comment!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much and really glad you enjoyed the sunsets.

      Reply ↓
  4. Tina Schell – I am passionate about photography, love traveling and exploring new places and faces, and seeing the world from different perspectives. My lens is always on the lookout for something beautiful or interesting.
    Tina Schell on said:

    Some lovely fiery choices Nicole. Love the fisherman adding to the scenes

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Tina. 🙂 Hope you are doing well.

      Reply ↓

  5. They call you the “sunset queen,” eh? I can see why — you OWN that title! Thank you for a beautiful distraction from the day’s distressing news.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      You are welcome! Yes the news is getting always worse and worse. That is why I try to write about inspiring things here. There seems to be a lack of it these days. 🙂

      Reply ↓

  6. Pingback: The Elements of a Beautiful Minnesota Sunset | O LADO ESCURO DA LUA

  7. Dex – A seafarer by profession, my life revolves around traveling. In my work, the boundaries to conquer are limitless – there’s always a new activity to try out and there’s always new places to see and explore.
    Hashtag Pinoy on said:

    wow! did u use filter for these lovely shots? very beautiful

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! Yes, most of these are run through Instagram but not all. Some are just “as is” with no filter at all taken on my iPhone. 🙂

      Reply ↓
      • Dex – A seafarer by profession, my life revolves around traveling. In my work, the boundaries to conquer are limitless – there’s always a new activity to try out and there’s always new places to see and explore.
        Hashtag Pinoy on said:

        so beautiful. now you mentioned iPhone at least I now have company to justify why I prefer using my iphone to take photos instead of my DSLR… 🙂

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Yes I do seem to love my iPhone. It takes pretty amazing pictures for a phone. 🙂

  8. NoPlateLikeHome.com – Hi! My name is Joanne and I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia with my husband and two boys, ages 7 and 5. My blog is about making easy, great tasting recipes, food and fun. I put my career as an Information Technology professional in the financial services industry on hold so I can be a stay-at-home mom when my first son was born 4 years ago. The very next year, we were blessed with our second son! The transition to motherhood was quite an adventure-immense joy, sleepless nights, lots of kisses and hugs, isolation from people, adorable faces, lots of screaming! Joining Moms' groups saved me! Becoming a mom is the most important job I've ever had. We have fun being together and like to share our food and fun with you. I am first generation Italian and food and wine is in my blood. Cabernet Sauvignon and Barbera are my favorites! I have a passion for cooking and baking and like to share my creations. A recipe starts as a blank canvas and evolves to a work of art and in some cases, even a masterpiece! We also love traveling and exploring other cultures. We skiied in Lake Tahoe, wine tasted in Napa and Sonoma and The Fingerlakes in NY, drove through the desert during an amazing sun rise, ate fresh lobster and New England Clam chowder in Maine, and saw the splendor of the bright red, orange and yellow leaves of Vermont in the fall. We've been on both sides of Florida and visited my family in southern Italy 10 or so times while visiting Greece, France and Switzerland. Italy is absolutely beautiful and has has some of the best food I've ever tasted, but I suppose I'm partial to it because I was raised eating great, authentic Italian food. I'm very excited to kick-off this blog and get to know my readers. Thanks for visiting and hope you'll come back soon! Joanne
    NoPlateLikeHome.com on said:

    Gorgeous photos! Great photography!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much and glad you enjoyed the photos!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓
  10. Playamart - Zeebra Designs – Ecuador – A visual artist, I enjoy a quiet life immersed in nature, most in Ecuador but also other areas of Latin America. These writings, photos and paintings give a glimpse into the life of the Zeebra and are copyright protected. Thanks for not infringing on my work! :) Z
    Playamart - Zeebra Designs on said:

    They are all beautiful images, especially the one with ‘Miss Sunshine” perched on the tree, gazing at the end of the day while wearing shorts and boots!!!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Ha, that is my absolute favorite picture of all. Of little miss Sophia. 🙂 Hard to believe she will be entering her last year of elementary school this year!

      Reply ↓
      • Playamart - Zeebra Designs – Ecuador – A visual artist, I enjoy a quiet life immersed in nature, most in Ecuador but also other areas of Latin America. These writings, photos and paintings give a glimpse into the life of the Zeebra and are copyright protected. Thanks for not infringing on my work! :) Z
        Playamart - Zeebra Designs on said:

        That’s a hard year for sweet young ladies; the ‘mean’ ones have amazing instincts for finding a weak spot and pouncing on the sweet sensitive ones…. it can be hard, but it also helps give them practice in how to handle difficult people – important life lessons…. i was a little younger than she when i read about argentina in my studies – and became infected with wanderlust and the dream of one day living there and raising horses… i was an equestrian, so those gauchos and the pampas were so idyllic!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Yes last year was tough as Sophia is such a gentle soul. The girls are brutal!

      • Playamart - Zeebra Designs – Ecuador – A visual artist, I enjoy a quiet life immersed in nature, most in Ecuador but also other areas of Latin America. These writings, photos and paintings give a glimpse into the life of the Zeebra and are copyright protected. Thanks for not infringing on my work! :) Z
        Playamart - Zeebra Designs on said:

        You can tell by the photos that she is a very sensitive and gentle person – and exceptionally special! She surely brings joy to anyone who knows here – except for the jealous and insecure classmates!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Yes she is a very sweet girl and my son is beyond his years. He is a deep thinker. 🙂

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  12. Pingback: Elemental: Beach | What's (in) the picture?

  13. arv! – Arv is a Jaipur blogger. His blog, JaipurThruMyLens offers a unique perspective on the Pink City-Jaipur and has been awarded the best Jaipur Blog. The readers of JaipurThruMyLens love his pictures and distinctive take on Jaipur.
    arv! on said:

    Stunning set of pictures, Nicole. I’m into sunrise since sunset is impossible for me to catch

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I love sunrise too but have a hard time getting up for it! I can’t really see it either from my lake. Would have to find another one. Sunrise though is equally special as the world comes alive and the birds sing!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sally! We are in Northern Minnesota now for the weekend. It is very beautiful here along the shores of Lake Superior.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  16. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    Wonderful Nicole. Fourth from the bottom is a beauty!
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Alison! I do love sunsets! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! So glad you liked the photos. 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much!

      Reply ↓
  19. Miriam – Australia – I’m a wonder lusting woman, a musician, a freelance travel writer and magazine columnist. Utterly passionate about travel and life and turning the ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My motto is “just do it”.
    Miriam on said:

    You are, undoubtedly, the Sunset Queen Nicole. Stunning photos as always. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thanks Miriam! 😌

      Reply ↓

  20. You do an amazing job photographing in low light Nicole!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thank you LuAnn!

      Reply ↓

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.